Kim Mulkey, LSU Women’s Basketball Set to Return Key Player for 2025-26 Season

As the LSU Tigers women’s basketball program continues to ascend as one of the premier teams in the nation, head coach Kim Mulkey and her staff have big plans for the future, particularly for the 2025-26 season. A significant part of those plans revolves around the return of a key player who has the potential to shape the direction of the team. This player’s return has created excitement among fans and pundits alike, as they expect LSU to be even stronger in the coming season. The decision to bring back this player will undoubtedly have a major impact on the team’s chances of capturing another SEC title and perhaps even competing for a national championship.

The Rise of LSU Women’s Basketball Under Kim Mulkey

Kim Mulkey’s arrival at LSU in 2021 was met with great excitement. After years of building a championship-caliber program at Baylor University, where she won three NCAA titles, Mulkey made the move to Baton Rouge with the goal of returning LSU women’s basketball to the top of the college basketball world. Her leadership, recruiting acumen, and ability to develop players have quickly transformed LSU into a national powerhouse. Mulkey’s first season at LSU was a monumental success, as she led the Tigers to an impressive 26-6 record and a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament.

Mulkey’s success has been marked by her ability to recruit top-tier talent and develop players into elite competitors. The 2023-24 season saw LSU claim its first NCAA Championship in women’s basketball since 2008, culminating in a dominant victory that showcased the depth and talent of Mulkey’s squad. However, for as impressive as Mulkey’s coaching abilities have been, the return of a key player in the 2025-26 season has the potential to take LSU to even greater heights.

The Key Player: Who Is Set to Return?

While LSU’s roster has been filled with high-level talent over the years, one player stands out as especially important to the team’s future: Angel Reese. Reese, a dynamic forward, has been one of the top players in college basketball since she stepped onto the scene. Standing at 6’3” with a combination of size, skill, and athleticism, Reese is a matchup nightmare for opponents. Her ability to score, rebound, and defend makes her one of the most complete players in the country, and her return for the 2025-26 season has LSU fans buzzing with anticipation.

Reese transferred to LSU from Maryland ahead of the 2022-23 season and immediately made an impact. During her time at LSU, she has become the centerpiece of the Tigers’ offensive and defensive schemes. In the 2023-24 season, Reese was named the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player after leading the Tigers to their national title, showcasing her ability to dominate in the biggest moments. Her return for the 2025-26 season ensures that LSU will have one of the best players in the country back on the court, providing them with a proven leader who can carry the team through both the regular season and the postseason.

What Reese Brings to the Table

Reese’s skills on the court are undeniably impressive. Offensively, she is a force to be reckoned with. Her ability to score in the paint is unparalleled, as she can finish around the rim with both power and finesse. Reese’s post moves are exceptional, and her footwork allows her to create space and get clean looks even against taller defenders. In addition to her scoring, Reese is also an excellent passer, able to find open teammates and create opportunities for others in the half-court offense.

But perhaps the most impressive part of Reese’s game is her ability to crash the boards. She has a relentless work ethic when it comes to rebounding, often dominating the glass on both ends of the court. Whether it’s securing offensive rebounds for second-chance opportunities or grabbing defensive rebounds to start the fast break, Reese’s presence on the boards is a game-changer. Her rebounding ability also makes her a standout in transition, where she can quickly turn defense into offense and create fast-break opportunities for her team.

Defensively, Reese is just as formidable. Her size and athleticism allow her to guard multiple positions, and she is known for her ability to disrupt passing lanes and block shots. Her quickness and anticipation make her a nightmare for opposing offenses, as she is always a threat to create turnovers or force difficult shots. Whether it’s defending in the post or on the perimeter, Reese’s defensive versatility gives LSU a significant advantage on that end of the floor.

Off the court, Reese has developed into a leader for LSU. Her work ethic, competitive fire, and determination to win have rubbed off on her teammates, and she has become one of the most vocal and inspiring leaders on the team. Reese’s ability to inspire and motivate her teammates is an invaluable asset as LSU looks to repeat their success in the 2025-26 season.

How Her Return Will Impact LSU’s Championship Aspirations

Reese’s return for the 2025-26 season sets LSU up for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament. With her back in the fold, the Tigers will be even more dangerous than before. The combination of Reese’s skill set, leadership, and experience makes LSU a legitimate threat to win the national championship again. Her ability to dominate in every facet of the game makes LSU a complete team, capable of competing with the best programs in the country.

One of the main benefits of Reese’s return is that she will provide LSU with a reliable, high-level scorer. While the Tigers have plenty of talent across the roster, Reese is the type of player who can take over a game and lead the team to victory. Whether it’s a close game in the regular season or a pivotal NCAA Tournament matchup, Reese’s ability to perform in clutch situations will be invaluable. As the team’s go-to player in the post, she will create opportunities for her teammates by drawing attention from opposing defenses. This will open up space for LSU’s other stars, such as Flau’jae Johnson and Alexis Morris, to make an impact offensively.

In addition to her offensive prowess, Reese’s rebounding and defense will be key factors in LSU’s success. In a conference like the SEC, where the competition is fierce and every game is a battle, having a player like Reese who can control the boards and lock down opponents on defense is critical. Her ability to limit second-chance opportunities for opposing teams and disrupt their offensive flow will give LSU a significant advantage on both ends of the court.

Moreover, Reese’s leadership and experience will be invaluable in the locker room. As a seasoned veteran who has already led LSU to a national title, Reese knows what it takes to succeed in the postseason. Her presence will help guide the team through the highs and lows of the season, providing stability and confidence when things get tough. For a team with championship aspirations, having a player like Reese who has already experienced the pressure of winning it all is a priceless asset.

LSU’s Recruitment Strategy for the 2025-26 Season

In addition to Reese’s return, LSU’s coaching staff has been hard at work on the recruiting trail, bringing in a talented group of newcomers who will complement the returning players. Mulkey’s ability to recruit has been one of the keys to LSU’s success, and the 2025-26 roster will be no different. With Reese leading the charge, LSU’s recruiting efforts are expected to be even more successful, attracting top-tier talent from across the country.

The combination of Reese’s return and LSU’s strong recruiting class will make the Tigers a formidable force in women’s basketball. With a roster that boasts both experience and youthful talent, LSU will have the depth and versatility needed to compete for championships year after year. The program’s future is undoubtedly bright, and the return of Reese is a major part of that future.

Fan and Media Reaction

The announcement of Angel Reese’s return for the 2025-26 season has generated a great deal of excitement among LSU fans and the broader women’s basketball community. LSU supporters have been quick to express their enthusiasm on social media, with many anticipating another deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers’ success under Kim Mulkey has brought renewed attention to LSU women’s basketball, and the return of one of the nation’s best players is sure to continue to elevate the program’s profile.

Media outlets have also taken notice, with many praising Reese’s decision to return for another season and speculating on the impact it will have on LSU’s championship aspirations. Analysts have already begun to discuss LSU as one of the top contenders for the 2025-26 NCAA title, and Reese’s return only strengthens that case. As the season approaches, expect even more media coverage of LSU women’s basketball as they look to build on their success and add another trophy to their collection.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for LSU Women’s Basketball

With Angel Reese returning for the 2025-26 season, LSU women’s basketball is primed for continued success. Under the leadership of Kim Mulkey, the program has become a dominant force in college basketball, and the return of Reese gives them a tremendous opportunity to win another national championship. As the team prepares for the new season, the excitement surrounding the Tigers is palpable, and the future of LSU women’s basketball has never looked brighter.

Reese’s return is not just a win for LSU; it’s a win for college basketball as a whole. Her talent, leadership, and competitive drive will continue to inspire fans and players alike, and her presence in the game will undoubtedly raise the level of play for everyone involved. As LSU continues to make its mark on the women’s basketball world, the Tigers will undoubtedly remain a team to watch in the years to come.

For Kim Mulkey, the return of a key player like Reese represents just one more piece of the puzzle as she works to build a dynasty at LSU. With Reese leading the charge, the Tigers will be a force to be reckoned with, and the 2025-26 season promises to be another thrilling chapter in the program’s storied history.